Advertisement supplying system

ABSTRACT

A server apparatus  10  for applying a point by which a service can be received in response to an amount of said point to be used in a Web site, is arranged by a network means  13,  a file  28  for storing thereinto a point number produced based upon an investment by a sponsor, files  23/24  for storing a banner advertisement, and a point producing unit  14  for determining a point number to be displayed on the banner advertisement. This server apparatus  10  is further arranged by a Web control unit  11  for displaying the banner advertisement attached with the point number on a Web page, and also a user data managing unit  12  for managing a point number gained by a user. The server apparatus  10  determines a point number to be displayed on a banner advertisement with reference to personal information of a user, or a point number gained by the user.

[0001] This application claims a priority based on Japanese PatentApplications Nos. 2000-153230 and 2001-151504 filed on May 24, 2000 andMay 21, 2001 respectively, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for supplyingadvertisement information via a network. More specifically, the presentinvention is directed to an advertisement supplying system f ordisplaying a point which may give viewing persons an incentive to viewan advertisement in combination with advertisement information.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Very recently, since computer networks are popularized, Web pagesmay constitute very important advertisement media. Persons who open Webpages collect sponsors, and often place such advertisements with respectto the own sponsors on these Web pages. These advertisements are calledas “banner advertisements.”

[0006] When a user clicks a banner advertisement, this user may go to aWeb site of a sponsor who provides this banner advertisement, andtherefore, this banner advertisement can have such an advertisementeffect that the advertisement information concerning the sponsor isdisplayed. As a consequence, the sponsors have tried to realize variousideas capable of increasing clicking times made by the users in order toimprove the advertisement effects.

[0007] As one of these ideas, incentive points may be applied to userswho click banner advertisements. In such a case that users may receivecertain services by collecting these incentive points, it can beexpected that these users may actively click these banneradvertisements.

[0008] However, when a user clicks a banner advertisement many times inorder to merely get such an incentive point, the incentive points areapplied to this user despite that substantially no advertisement effectcan be expected. Normally, since a total number of incentive points tobe displayed is previously determined, there is such a risk thatincentive points are eccentrically applied only to a specific user.

[0009] On the other hand, incentive points which may be applied byclicking a banner advertisement are uniformly given to all of users whoclick this advertisement. As a result, it is practically difficult toeffectively achieve such an advertisement development in accordance withtastes and attributes of users, for instance, in the case that anadvertisement may desirably cause specific user layer to visit a site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a techniquecapable of applying a point which may give an incentive to view anadvertisement to wide variety of users.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a techniquecapable of more effectively displaying a point which may give viewingpersons an incentive to view an advertisement so as to improve anadvertisement effect.

[0012] To solve the above-explained problem, an advertisement supplyingsystem, according to the present invention, is featured by such anadvertisement supplying system for displaying a point which may giveviewing persons an incentive to view an advertisement in combinationwith advertisement information on a terminal apparatus connected theretovia a computer network, comprising:

[0013] storage means for storing thereinto identification information ofa customer and a point degree owned by the customer in relation to eachother;

[0014] means for accepting identification information of a customer froma terminal apparatus of the customer;

[0015] means for acquiring the point degree owned by the customer fromsaid storage means, said owned point degree being related to theaccepted identification information of the customer; and

[0016] display point degree determining means for determining a pointdegree to be displayed in combination with the advertisement informationbased upon the acquired point degree owned by the customer.

[0017] Also, another advertisement supplying system, according to thepresent invention, is featured by such an advertisement supplying systemfor displaying a point which may give viewing persons an incentive toview an advertisement in combination with advertisement information on aterminal apparatus connected thereto via a computer network, comprising:

[0018] storage means for storing thereinto identification information ofa customer and personal information related to the customer in relationto each other;

[0019] means for accepting identification information of a customer froma terminal apparatus of the customer;

[0020] means for acquiring the personal information related to thecustomer from said storage means, said personal information beingrelated to the accepted identification information of the customer; and

[0021] display point degree determining means for determining a pointdegree to be displayed in combination with the advertisement informationbased upon the acquired personal information related to the customer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference ismade of a detailed description to be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining an entirearrangement of a service providing system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram for explaining an innerarrangement of a server system 10 of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustratively showing an example of astructure of registered user data 220 which is stored in a userregistration information file 22;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustratively showing an example of astructure of very current log data 270 recorded in a very current logfile 27;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustratively representing an example ofa structure of sponsor point management data 280 registered in a sponsorpoint management file 28;

[0028]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining transition of a Web page in aWeb site opened by an advertisement space provider;

[0029]FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an identification processoperation executed when an access to a Web site is permitted;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of an entrance pageof a Web site;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining a process operation forseparating a point-applicable user from a point-not-applicable user;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a normal menupage 350;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of menu page 340with an incentive point;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an image of a point changerule as to a total gained-point number with respect to one banneradvertisement;

[0035]FIG. 13 is a diagram for indicating an example of a structure ofgained-point data 210 managed in a point management file 21;

[0036]FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a point useprocedure page 410,

[0037]FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a “Thanksscreen” 360; and

[0038]FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining another example of the “Thanksscreen” 360.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] Referring now to drawings, various embodiment modes of thepresent invention will be described in detail.

[0040] (Summary of Embodiment Mode)

[0041] In this embodiment mode, there are described an advertisementspace provider, an advertisement sponsor, and a user. The advertisementspace provider opens a Web site on a computer network, for example, theInternet, and provides several areas within a Web page displayed on thisWeb site as an advertisement space. The advertisement sponsor investshis money in the Web site opened by the advertisement space provider.Then, the user is a viewer of the Web page displayed on the Web siteopened by the advertisement space provider and places the advertisementon the Web page. It should be noted that while an expression “user” maycorrespond to a large number of not-specified users of the Internet, ifthe expression “user” implies a specified user for instance, such a userwho has accomplished a predetermined registration, then this specified“user” will be clearly described.

[0042] In this embodiment mode, the Web site opened by the advertisementspace provider will now be summarized. This Web site may be constitutedby such a site capable of providing, for example, various contentsdirected to entertainment, e.g., capable of totally providing gamesproduct information, and the like.

[0043] Also, in this Web site, a so-called “shopping mall” is opened. Inthis shopping mall, the user may purchase, for instance, goods(merchandise) handled by the advertisement space provider in an onlinemanner.

[0044] The advertisement sponsor invests his money in the advertisementspace provider, and places (runs) such an advertisement mainly made of arectangular image, which is called as so-called “banner advertisement,”in a portion of the Web page displayed on the Web site opened by theadvertisement space provider. Also, a portion of this investment is usedto provide an incentive point (will be simply referred to as a “point”hereinafter).

[0045] There is such a case that this point may be displayed on banneradvertisement of such an advertisement sponsor who provides this pointon a Web page. A user may get a displayed point by clicking such abanner advertisement on which this point is displayed. The user who gotthis point uses this point in the shopping mall opened in the Web siteprovided by the advertisement space provider, so that this user may buygoods and the like by a discount price.

[0046] In other words, incentive points may be converted into moneyamounts in such a conversion rate that 1 incentive point is equal to “x”yen. In this example, it is so assumed that while an investment amountof a sponsor is equal to “y” yen, “z” yen corresponding to apredetermined rate is allocated to provide a point. At this time a totalpoint number which can be provided by this sponsor is equal to z/xpoints.

[0047] On the other hand, since a user corresponding to a purchaserutilizes “β” points when goods is bought, the goods can be bought bysuch a discount price that a total purchase amount is discounted by arate of (β×X) yen. Then, (β×X) yen corresponding to this discountedamount is originated from investment by a sponsor.

[0048] Since such an incentive point is employed, the present inventioncan provide the novel service mode capable or effectively realizingadvertisement effects, while reducing loads given to sales shops.

[0049] (Overall Arrangement of Service Providing System)

[0050] An overall arrangement of a service providing system according tothis embodiment mode of the present invention will now be described withreference to a schematic block diagram shown in FIG. 1. In this drawing,both a server system 10 operated by an advertisement space provider anda large number of unspecified terminal computers 30 which can be used byusers are connected to each other via a computer network, for example,the Internet 40.

[0051] As the terminal computer 30, such information processingapparatus as a personal computer and an entertainment apparatus may beemployed, and these information processing apparatus are connectable tothe Internet. It is so assumed that the terminal computer 30 is attachedwith both a display apparatus and an input apparatus. The displayapparatus corresponds to a CRT apparatus, a liquid crystal displayapparatus, or a TV receiving apparatus. The input apparatus correspondto a keyboard, or a controller. A user may access to the server system10 via the terminal computer 30 by utilizing such application softwarecalled as a browser.

[0052]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a functionalstructure of the server system 10. As this server system 10, a servercomputer attached with a CPU, a main memory, and the like may beutilized.

[0053] In this drawing, the server system 10 is provided with a Webcontrol unit 11, a user data managing unit 12, an input/output controlunit 13, and a point (incentive point) producing unit 14. These functionunits may be realized by that a CPU or the like which mainly controlsthe server system 10 executes a computer program stored in a mainmemory. Such a computer program may be marketed in the field byrecording this computer program on a portable storage medium such as aCD-ROM.

[0054] The Web control unit 11 controls the various function units ofthe server system 10 in accordance with a predetermined computerprogram, and the like.

[0055] The user data managing unit 12 manages information related toregistered users by employing both a point management file 21 and a userregistration file 22 (will be discussed later). The user data managingunit 12 executes such a process operation that, for instance, whileusing a user ID (identification) as a key, personal information of theuser stored in either the point management file 21 or the userregistration information file 22 is extracted therefrom. Otherwise, whena user gets a point, the user data managing unit 12 writes thisinformation into the point management file 21.

[0056] The input/output control unit 13 corresponds to such an interfacecapable of controlling transmission/reception of information via theInternet 40.

[0057] The point producing unit 14 produces a point which is displayedon the Web page.

[0058] Furthermore, the server system 10 is attached with a storageapparatus constituted by a hard disk drive and the like. Then, asindicated in FIG. 2, the storage apparatus stores the point managementfile 21, the user registration information file 22, a point banneradvertisement file 23, a normal banner advertisement file 24, a shoppingmall information file 25, a contents file 26, a very recent log file 27,a sponsor point management file 28, and an access management file 29.

[0059] The point management file 21 corresponds to such a file which ismanaged by the user data managing unit 12. This point management file 21contains point data 210 related to a point gained by a user, andgained-point data 210 in which the point data is related to informationused to identify a sponsor who provides this point.

[0060]FIG. 13 is a diagram for indicating an example of a structure ofthe gained-point data 210. In this drawing, the gained-point data 210 isconstituted by a point number 211, a sponsor ID 212 which isidentification information of the sponsor who provides the point, abanner advertisement ID 213 which Is identification information of thebanner advertisement on which the point is displayed, a user ID 214which is identification information of the user who gains the point, apoint-gained date 215, and a point expiration term 216.

[0061] The user registration information file 22 corresponds to a filemanaged by the user data managing unit 12, and stores such registereduser data 220 in which a user ID of a registered user is related to apassword and the like.

[0062]FIG. 3 is a diagram f or showing an example of a structure of theregistered user data 220. In this drawing, the registered user data 220is constituted by a user ID 221, a password 222, a mall address 223, anaddress 224, credit card information 225, a sex 226, an age 227, and ataste 228. As the taste 228, for example, there is such informationabout a hobby, a name of a subscribed magazine. These data are recordedby the user data managing unit 12 during a user registration procedure,for example, in such a manner that the user is prompted to enter data,and the accepted data is recorded by the user data managing unit 12.

[0063] The user data managing unit 12 of the server system 10 extractsthe registered user data 220 from the user registration information file22, while the user ID accepted from the user is used as a key. Then, theuser data managing unit 12 identifies the password accepted from theuser with the password 222 which is recorded in the extractedregistered-user data 220 so as to execute the identification processoperation of the registered user.

[0064] The point banner advertisement file 23 stores image data and thelike, which are used to produce a banner advertisement provided with apoint of an advertisement sensor. Each of the stored image data may bediscriminated from each other based upon either data ID or a data name.In a banner advertisement produced from this image data, either an areaused to display a point or an area in which a point is displayed isprovided.

[0065] The normal banner advertisement file 24 stores therein to suchimage data used to produce a normal banner advertisement of anadvertisement sensor. In this banner advertisement, such an area used toindicate a point is not provided. Each of the stored image data may bediscriminated from each other based upon either data ID or a data name.

[0066] The shopping mall information file 25 stores thereinto such dataused to produce a Web page which constitutes a shopping mall.

[0067] The contents file 26 stores thereinto data, a program, and thelike, which are used to produce a Web page for providing contents suchas information and games, which are provided in this own Web site.

[0068] The very recent log file 27 stores therinto very recent log data270 made by recording both a user ID of a user and an access day/time ofthis user who accesses the relevant site within a predetermined timeperiod, for instance, 24 hours.

[0069]FIG. 4 is a diagram for indicating an example of a structure ofthe very recent log data 270. In this drawing, the very recent log data270 is arranged by a user ID 271 of a user who accesses to a site, andan access day/time 272.

[0070] The sponsor point management file 28 corresponds to a filemanaged by the point producing unit 14, and is employed in order that asponsor who provides a point manages the points. This file stores thereinto sponsor point management data 280 related to a point provided by anadvertisement sponsor.

[0071]FIG. 5 is a diagram for indicating an example of a structure ofthe sensor point management data 280. In this drawing, the sponsor pointmanagement data 280 is arranged by a sponsor ID 281, a banner ID 282, abanner name 283, a banner data name 284, a point distribution 285, anappearing time period 286, an intensively appearing time period 287, avalid time period 288, and user information 289. The sponsor ID 281 issuch information used to identify a sponsor who manages this data. Thebanner ID 282 corresponds to information used to identify a banneradvertisement for indicating a point. The banner data name 284 isrelated to a data name (file name) used to produce a banneradvertisement to be displayed. The point distribution 285 corresponds tosuch information used to determine a relationship between a degree of apoint to be displayed and an appearing time thereof. The appearing timeperiod 286 corresponds to such an information used to determine anappearing time period of a point. The intensively appearing time period287 corresponds to such information used to determine a valid timeperiod of a point when the point is intensively displayed. The validtime period 288 corresponds to such information used to determine avalid time period of a point. The user information 289 corresponds tosuch information as to a user layer to which a point display is given.

[0072] The access management file 29 stores thereinto an accesscondition of the relevant site. e.g., a history of access number per 1day.

[0073] The arrangement of the serve system 10 has been described above.This server system 10 is not apparently limited to the above-explainedarrangement. The server system 10 may be arranged by employing not onlya single computer system, but also a plurality of computer systems. Inparticular, in the storage apparatus, a so-called “mirroring” isperformed, and a plurality of storage apparatus may preferably beprovided in a distributed manner so as to protect a data loss, or a shutdown of a server.

[0074] (Site Map)

[0075] Referring to a site map indicated in FIG. 6, a transition of aWeb page in a Web site which is opened by an advertisement spaceprovider will now be explained.

[0076] The Web control unit 11 prompts a user to enter both a user IDand a password by way of an entrance page 310 of this Web site. Then,when both the user ID and the password are received, the user datamanaging unit 12 executes the identification process operation withreference to the user registration information file 22. As a result,when the user is identified as the registered user, the Web control unit11 displays such a menu page capable of prompting a selection ofcontents provided on the Web site.

[0077] Prior to the display of this menu page, the Web control unit 11performs a separating process operation under preselected separationcondition, by which a user to which a point may be applied is separatedfrom a user to which a point may not be applied.

[0078] Then the Web control unit 11 further executes a process operationfor calculating a point to be displayed with respect to such a user whois separated as a point-applicable user. Thereafter, the Web controlunit 11 displays a page 320 which notifies the user who may become sucha point-applicable user, and then displays a menu page 340 containingsuch a banner advertisement to which a point is applied. It should benoted that a point is indicated in a banner advertisement related to anadvertisement sensor who provides this point.

[0079] On the other hand, the Web control unit 11 displays a page 330for notifying such a fact that a user may become a point-not-applicableuser with respect to such a user who is separated as apoint-not-applicable user. Thereafter, the Web control unit 11 displaysmenu page 350 containing a banner advertisement to which a point is notapplied.

[0080] A point-applicable user can gain a point displayed on a banneradvertisement by clicking the banner advertisement to which the point isapplied. Then, on any of the menu pages, when clicking of a banneradvertisement is accepted, the present menu page is transferred to a Webpage 410 and the like of such an advertisement sensor indicated on abanner advertisement.

[0081] The advertisement space provider opens a so-called “shoppingmall” on this Web site. A user can display a shopping mall entrance page400 on any of the menu pages 340 and 350 by clicking a shopping button.Then, the user may execute a purchase procedure by designating desirablegoods.

[0082] When the user purchases the desirable goods, this user may accepta discount service by utilizing the gained points, by which a totalpurchased money amount can be discounted in accordance with the gainedpoints. Then, when the Web control unit 11 accepts the purchaseinstruction using the points from the user, this Web control unit 11causes a Thanks screen 360 to be displayed on the display apparatus ofthe terminal computer 30 used by this user. This Thanks screen 360displays an advertisement sponsor name provided by this point.

[0083] (Point Managing Process)

[0084] Next, a description is made on a method for managing pointsprovided in this Web site. As explained above, points are provided basedupon investment of advertisement sponsors Then, as to points displayedon banner advertisement, various sorts of degrees such as 1 point, 5points, and 10 points may be set. Appearing conditions with respect tothe respective degrees of points may be controlled by advertisementsponsors.

[0085] In other words, while degrees of points displayed on this Website are variable, any advertisement sponsors may setdegrees/frequencies of points to be displayed on banner advertisements,temporal variations thereof, valid time periods of points, and userlayers to which points are applied. As a result, for example,advertisement strategies directed to personal matters and also timingmatters may be effectively carried out.

[0086] The sponsor point management data 280 shown in FIG. 5 will now bedescribed more in detail. The sponsor ID 281 corresponds to suchinformation used to identify a sponsor of a banner advertisement. Boththe banner ID 282 and the banner name 283 correspond to such informationused to identify a banner advertisement. The banner data name 284corresponds to such information used to specify image data by which abanner advertisement is produced.

[0087] The above-explained information corresponds to such informationwhich are mainly used so as to manage banner advertisements, e.g., tospecify a banner advertisement. The point distribution 285, theappearing time period 286, the intensively appearing time period 287,the valid time period 288, and the user information 289, which are shownin the following description, correspond to such information which ismainly used so as to control points to be displayed. As will bediscussed later, an advertisement sponsor may confirm theabove-explained information in an on-line manner as to a banneradvertisement made based upon the own investment, and also mayset/manage partial data of the above-described information. Bothcontents and setting operations of the above-described information willnow be described.

[0088] The point distribution 285 further contains a total point number2851, a point distribution table 2852, and a remaining point number2853.

[0089] The total point number 2851 corresponds to a total number ofpoints which can be displayed on a banner advertisement, and isdetermined in accordance with an investment amount of an advertisementsponsor. As a result as to this item, when an advertisement sponsornotifies an investment amount via, for instance, the Internet 40 to theserver system 10, this notified investment amount is converted into acorresponding point number which will then be set. Thereafter, it is soset that the advertisement sponsor cannot freely change the point value.

[0090] The point distribution table 2852 corresponds to such informationindicative of both a point-appearing time 28522 and a point-appearedtime 28523 as to a point of a degree 28521 indicated in the distributiontable.

[0091] In this table, the degree 28521 corresponds to an item used toset a degree of points which can appear, for example is selectable from0, 1, 5, 10, and so on. With respect to these degrees, fixed values maybe previously set, and/or these degrees may be freely set byadvertisement sponsors. Alternatively, a portion of these degrees may befixed, whereas other degrees thereof may be freely set by advertisementsponsors.

[0092] In this table, the point-appearing time 28522 corresponds to suchan item for setting how many times a point of any one of these degreesappears. This item may be freely set by any advertisement sponsorswithin such a range that a total degree does not exceed a total pointnumber. It should also be noted that this item may be set by employingan appearance rate of each point.

[0093] In this table, the point-appeared time 28523 corresponds to suchan item for indicating how many times a point of the respective degreeshas appeared. As a consequence, since the point producing unit 14updates this item in response to point-appeared times, an advertisementsponsor cannot change the value of the point-appeared time 28523.

[0094] In this table, the remaining point number 2853 corresponds tosuch a value which obtained by subtracting a total number ofpoint-appeared from a total point number. When this value becomes 0,there is no case that a point is indicated in a banner advertisement.Since the point producing unit 14 updates this item in response to thispoint-appeared number, the advertisement sponsor cannot change thevalue.

[0095] The appearance time period 286 corresponds to an item for settingan appearance time period of a banner advertisement managed by thisdata, and may be set by an advertisement sponsor. Since both the pointdistribution table 2852 and the appearance time period 286 are set, botha point appearance time per 1 day and a point appearance degree per 1day may be determined. Alternatively, both a point appearance time per 1day and a point appearance degree per 1 day may be displayed so as to beconfirmed by an advertisement sponsor.

[0096] The intensively-appearing time period 287 corresponds to such anitem for setting such a case that an advertisement sponsor intensivelywants to present a point as to a preselected time period correspondingto, for example, a campaign within the above-explained time period inthis item, both an intensively-appearing time period 2871 and anappearing point number 2872 within this intensively-appearing timeperiod 2871 may be set. As the appearing point number to be set, and oneof an appearing time, an appearing rate, and an appearing degree may beselected. Also, setting of this item may be arbitrarily determined by anadvertisement sponsor. Also, as to this item, both a point appearingtime per 1 day and a point appearing degree per 1 day within theintensively-appearing time period may be displayed so as to be confirmedby an advertisement sponsor.

[0097] The valid time period 288 corresponds to such an item capable ofsetting a time period during which an applied point can be utilized. Insuch a case that a point having a valid time period is wanted to beapplied due to a specific campaign, this item is set. Setting of thisitem is arbitrarily determined by an advertisement sponsor. It is soassumed that when this item is not set, there is no valid time periodfor a point to be applied.

[0098] The user information 289 corresponds to such an item which is setin the case that an appearance condition of a point is wanted to becontrolled in accordance with an attribute of a user. For instance,since the personal information of the user (for example, age, sex andtaste) record in the user registration information file 22 is set,points may be intensively displayed with respect to the relevant user.Also, this item may be arbitrarily set by the advertisement sponsor.

[0099] As previously explained, when the point producing unit 14 refersto the sponsor point management file 28, the point producing unit 14 mayacquire both a degree and an appearance time of a point to be displayedas to a certain one day. Then, based upon both the degree and the timeof the points which have already been displayed on this day, the pointproducing unit 14 may produce a list of the degrees of the points whichcan be displayed at a time instant.

[0100] As apparent from the foregoing descriptions, the managementmethods for the points which are provided in this site have beenexplained. It should also be noted that the advertisement sponsors mayconfirm/change such information used to control points. Thisconfirmation/change process operation may be carried out on a Web pagein accordance with, for example, the below-mentioned manner.

[0101] When the Web control unit 11 accepts a display request of sponsorpoint management data 280 issued from an advertisement sponsor on a Webpage (not shown) used in a management purpose, this Web control unit 11extracts the relevant sponsor point management data 280 while using botha sponsor ID and a banner ID. Then, the Web control unit 11 displays theextracted data on the display apparatus of the terminal computer 30which is utilized by the advertisement sponsor. When the advertisementsponsor changes a value of a changeable item, the Web control unit 11accepts this changed information via the input/output control unit 13.Then, the point producing unit 14 rewrites the information of therelevant sponsor point management data 280.

[0102] (User Identification Process Operation)

[0103] Next, a description will now be made on a concrete processoperation of the server system 10 in the case that an access request isaccepted from the terminal computer 30 of the user.

[0104] In this embodiment mode, in order that a user accesses a Web siteopened by an advertisement space provider so as to view a Web page, userregistration should be accomplished in advance. This is because pointswhich can be gained in the Web site are managed with respect to each ofthese users. It should also be noted that the Web page may be allowed tobe viewed by unregistered users. In this alternative case, since theunregistered users are excluded from users who can gain points, thepoints may be managed with respect to the respective users.

[0105] Next, an identification process operation will now be described,which is executed in the case that an access to the relevant site isallowed to such users who have already been registered. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for describing this identification process operations. It shouldalso be noted that an unregistered user may be registered as follows;While a registration page (not shown) is displayed, necessary items suchas a name, a mail address, and an address are entered. Thus, theresultant information is recorded on the user registration informationfile 22.

[0106] A registered user who wants to access this relevant site mayenter both a user ID 311 and a password 312 on the entrance page 310 asrepresented in FIG. 8 as an example. When the register user clicks an OKbutton 313 after inputting both the user ID 311 and the password 312,both the entered user ID/password are transmitted to the server system10 (step S101).

[0107] The Web control unit 11 of the server system 10 which receivesboth the user ID and the password retrieves registered user data whichis made coincident with the received user ID, from the user registrationinformation file 22 by employing the user data managing unit 12 (stepS102). Then, the Web control unit 11 judges as to whether or not thereceived user ID is present in the registered user file (step S103).

[0108] In the case that the accepted user ID is not presented in theregistered user file, the Web control unit 11 causes such a messageindication to be displayed on the display apparatus of the terminalcomputer 30 (step S104). This message indication is “since accepted userID is not yet registered, please register this user ID.” Alternatively,in this server system 10, an access operation as an unregistered usermay be permitted.

[0109] To the contrary, in such a case that the accepted user ID ispresent in the registered user file, the Web control unit 11 judges asto whether or not the password registered in the extracted registereduser data is made coincident with the accepted password (step S105). Asa result of this judgment, when the registered password is madecoincident with the accepted password, the Web control unit 11 allowsthe user to access this relevant site, and accomplishes theidentification process operation (step S106).

[0110] On the other hand, in such a case that the password registered inthe extracted user data is not made coincident with the acceptedpassword, the Web control unit 11 causes such a message indication to bedisplayed on the display apparatus of the terminal computer 30 (stepS107). This message indication is “password is incorrect.” Thereafter,the Web control unit 11 again displays the entrance page 310 so as toprompt the user to enter both a user ID and a password.

[0111] (User Separating Process)

[0112] Next, the Web control unit 11 executes a separation processoperation for separating a point-applicable user from apoint-not-applicable user with respect to such a user who has completedthe identification process operation by entering the user ID and thepassword. This separation process operation is executed by nudging thebelow-mentioned conditions. FIG. 9 is a flow chart for describing thisuser separation process operation.

[0113] On the other hand, a major object of this user separating processoperation is to control a load of the server system 10. That is to say,in order to manage points, log conditions of users within sites must bemanaged. When this log condition management is carried out with respectto all of these users, there are some possibilities that excessive loadsare given to the server system 10. As a consequence a user whose logcondition is managed is separated from another user whose log conditionis not managed, namely, a point-applicable user is separated from apoint-not-applicable user after the identification process operation hasbeen carried out, so that a load thereafter given to the server system10 is controlled.

[0114] First, the Web control unit 11 executes the user separationprocess operation based upon access times of the same user within apredetermined time period corresponding to a first separation condition(step S201). This user separation process operation may have such anobject that a user who accesses plural times higher than, or equal to apreselected time within the defined time period is classified as thepoint-not-applicable user in addition to the above-described object ofcontrolling the load of the server system 10. In other words, thisprocess operation is performed so as to avoid such a condition thatpoints are excessively applied to such a user who intensively accessesthe site within a short time period in order to gain points.

[0115] The defined time period may be selected from, for example, either2 hours or 24 hours. The pre-selected time may be selected to be, forinstance, 3 times. These set values may be automatically changed inresponse to the access conditions to the site, or may be manuallychanged by an advertisement space provider and/or an advisement sponsor.

[0116] The Web control unit 11 manages an access log condition within apredetermined time period by the very recent log file 27, upon receiptof an access of a user, the Web control unit 11 records both a user IDand an access time instant of this user in the very recent log file 27.On the other hand, a record of such a user ID and such an access timeinstant is deleted after a predetermined time period having passed fromthe recorded time instant. As a result, a user ID of such a user whovisits the site within a predetermined time period from the present timeinstant is recorded in the very recent log file 27.

[0117] The user separation process operation based upon the access timeof the same user within the defined time period is carried out asfollows:

[0118] The Web control unit 11 extracts from the very recent log file27, user ID data which is made coincident with such a user ID acceptedwhile the identification process operation is carried out. When a totalnumber of the extracted data is larger than, or equal to the determinednumber, this user is classified as the point-not-applicable user (stepS205). On the other hand, in the case that the data is not extracted anda total number of extracted data is smaller than the defined number, theWeb control unit performs a user separation process operation based upona point resource corresponding to a second separation process condition(step S202). Since such a process operation (defined at step S201) iscarried out, such a user who has accessed the relevant site plural timeslarger than, or equal to the defined times within the defined timeperiod may be classified as the point-not-applicable user.

[0119] Next, a description will now be made on the user separationprocess operation (step S202) based upon the point resourcecorresponding to the second separation condition. The user separationoperation based on the point resource is executed in such a manner thatusers are separated from each other based on a remaining point number byinvestment of an advertisement sponsor.

[0120] As described above, the point producing unit 14 sets the pointappearing time per 1 day in the sponsor point management file 28. On theother hand, the access management file 29 manages a history of accessconditions of this Web site. The Web control unit 11 may predict anaccess time of a user per 1 day based upon this history. Alternatively,with respect to this access time prediction value, an advertisementsponsor may adjust the access time prediction value by consideringconditions of a campaign and the like.

[0121] The Web control unit 11 executes the user separation processoperation by using a ratio of this point appearing time to the accesstime prediction value. In other words, for instance, assuming now thatthe point appearing time is equal to 100 times and the access timeprediction value is equal to 400 accesses on a certain day, the Webcontrol unit 11 performs a process operation based on another condition(step S203) corresponding to a next user separation process operationwith respect to such users corresponding to 25% of the entire accesstime, and classifies the remaining users as the point-not-applicableuser (step S205). At this time, a method for specifying the userscorresponding to 25% of the entire access time may be arbitrarilydetermined. For instance, the Web control unit 11 extracts one accesstime at random from continuous 4 access times, and may classify the useras a user corresponding to this access operation. Also, the Web controlunit 11 may classify the user as a user corresponding to 100 accesses ofa first arrival. While this separating process operation is carried out,the users who access this relevant site may be separated from each otherbased upon the above-explained probability.

[0122] The Web control unit 11 may execute user separation processoperations based upon various conditions (defined at step S203) otherthan the above-described user separation process based on the accesstimes of the same user within the defined time period (step S201) andthe user separation operation based upon the point resource (step S203).For example, when the probability that a user may gain the points isrestricted by a law and a regulation, the Web control unit 11 mayexecute the user separation process operation based upon such aprobability condition capable of clearing this restriction. The user whocan satisfy this condition may finally become the point-applicable user(step S204).

[0123] As previously explained, the separating process operation forseparating the point-applicable user from the point-not-applicable userhas been described. It should also be noted that the sequences of theuser separation process operations based upon these separationconditions may be varied, and may freely be combined with each other.For example, while no judgment is made as to the separating processoperation (step S203) based upon another condition equal to the thirdcondition, the Web control unit 11 may classify all of such users whocan satisfy both the first condition and the second condition as thepoint-applicable users (step S204).

[0124] (Menu Page Display Process)

[0125] When the user separation process operation is accomplished, theWeb control unit 11 causes the display apparatus of the terminalcomputer 30 to display thereon a menu page. As previously explained, asthe menu page, there are the menu page 340 attached with the point, andthe normal menu page 350. Then, with respect to such a user who isclassified as a point-applicable subject by executing theabove-explained user separation process operation, the Web control unit11 displays such a page 320 for notifying that the user becomes thepoint-applicable user, and thereafter, displays the menu page 340attached with the point. On the other hand, as to such a user who isclassified as a point-not-applicable subject, the Web control unit 11displays such a page 330 for notifying that this user becomes thepoint-not-applicable user, and thereafter, displays the normal menu page350.

[0126] At this time, for example, the same numerals such as “777” arearranged to be displayed on the page 320 for notifying that the userbecomes the point-applicable user, whereas the random numerals such as“735” are arranged to be displayed on the page 320 for notifying thatthe user becomes the point-not-applicable user. This may conduct such anatmospheric mood that a point-applicable subject is separated from apoint-not-applicable subject by a throttle machine. Thus, the userseparation process operation may have a game characteristic.

[0127]FIG. 10 is a diagram for indicating an example of the normal menupage 350. In this drawing, a menu button group 351 used to transfer toWeb pages of various sorts of contents, a banner advertisement group 352which displays banner advertisements, and a shopping button 353 used totransfer to a shopping mall are arranged in this normal menu page 350.

[0128]FIG. 11 is a diagram for representing an example of the menu page340 attached with the point. In this drawing, a menu button group 341used to transfer to Web pages of various sorts of contents, a banneradvertisement group 342 attached with points, on which the point aredisplayed, and a shopping button 343 used to transfer to a shopping mallpage are arranged on the menu page 340 attached with the point.

[0129] (Point Producing Process Operation)

[0130] Next a description will now be made on a process operation forproducing a point displayed on a banner advertisement of the menu page340 attached with the point. As previously explained, the distributionof the points is played on the banner advertisement can be controlled bythe advertisement sponsor. However, a degree of points which areactually displayed to every user is produced every time of displayingthe banner advertisement in accordance with the below-mentioned processoperation.

[0131] A point to be displayed is produced based upon a point degree28521, a point-appearing time 28522 thereof, and a point-appeared time28523 thereof, and personal information of a user, which are set to thesponsor point management file 28. As the user personal information,there are provided a total gained-point number of this user, agained-point number with respect to one banner advertisement, agained-point number within a predetermined time period with respect toone banner advertisement, and a purchase history. All of theabove-explained information is recorded on the point management file 21or the like. In such a case that an age, a sex, a taste and the like ofa user are recorded on the user registration information file 22, apoint may be produced based upon these above-explained information.These information will be referred to as “point variation factors.”

[0132] First, the point producing unit 14 produces a list of degrees ofpoints which may be displayed on a banner advertisement, with referenceto the sponsor point management file 28. Then, the point producing unit14 determines a degree of points to be displayed from the list of thedisplayable point degree based upon the point variation factors.

[0133] A method for producing a point based upon these point variationfactors maybe arbitrarily selected. For instance, a point variation rulerelated to a variation factor to be applied is provided, and this pointvariation rule is stored in the sponsor point management file 28, orstored in connection with this sponsor point management file 28. Thus,the point producing unit 14 may produce a point with reference to thisrule. Next, a description will now be made on a process operation withreference to an example in such a case that a rule employing gainedpoints with respect to one banner advertisement as the variation factoris set.

[0134]FIG. 12 is a diagram for representing an image of a pointvariation rule as to a total gained-point number with respect to onebanner advertisement. An abscissa of this drawing indicates the totalgained-point number with respect to one banner advertisement, and anordinate thereof denotes a relative value of a displayed point number.In this case, the relative value of the displayed point degreecorresponds to a value used to be related to a degree of a displayablepoint. For example, this relative value of the displayed point degreeimplies “largest degree selected from displayable point degrees”, and“third largest degree.” In this drawing, the relative value is sectionedinto 5 stages. A line indicated by this rule represents such anappearance that the larger the gained-point number becomes, the smallerthe displayed point degree becomes stepwise. For example, when thegained-point number is smaller than, or equal to 20, the highest pointamong the displayable points is indicated. Subsequently, the larger thegained-point number becomes, the smaller the displayed point degreebecomes stepwise. Then, when the total gained-point number exceeds 100,the point as to this banner advertisement is no longer displayed. Asexplained above, in this example, the point producing unit 14 producesthe degree of the point to be displayed based upon both the pointvariation rule and also the list of the displayable point degree.

[0135] As a consequence, when a certain user displays a banneradvertisement in the first time, the higher point degree is displayedamong the degree 28521 determined in the point distribution table 2852.If the user displays the same banner advertisement many times, then thedisplayed point (namely, gained-point number) is gradually decreased.Then, the decreased points of the displayed points with respect to thisuser are allocated to other users who have not yet sufficiently gainedthe points, so that the points which are provided by the sameadvertisement sponsor may be widely applied to many users.

[0136] As to a displayed point, when a user clicks a banneradvertisement, this user may get this displayed point. The pointproducing unit 14 rewrites both the point-appeared number 2854 and theremaining point number 2853, which are recorded in the relevant banneradvertisement data within the sponsor point management file 28.

[0137] Next, a process operation will now be explained when the userinformation is employed as the variation factor. It is so assumed thatsuch information that a user is 10-year-old generation, and has a hobbyof TV games is stored in the user information 289 of the sponsor pointmanagement data 280. The point producing unit 14 checks information asto ages and tastes of the registered users with reference to the userregistration information file 22. Then, when such a record that the userwho constitutes the point-applicable user is the 10-year-old generationand has the hobby of TV games is made in this user registrationinformation file 22, the point producing unit 14 displays a higher pointdegree among the point degrees set by the point distribution table 285.As a result, it is possible to establish such an advertisement strategylimited to a specific user layer.

[0138] As to other variation factors, the points may be similarlycontrolled so as to produce proper points. Further, it is possible toemploy a point variation rule in a combination of a plurality ofvariation factors. Similar to the change in the sponsor point managementdata 280, the variation factor may be adjusted by the advertisementsponsor. Alternatively, the variation factor may be adjusted by theadvertisement space provider.

[0139] Thus, the process operation for producing the points to bedisplayed on the banner advertisement of the menu page 340 attached withthe point has been explained in the foregoing description.

[0140] In this case, it is so assumed that the point banneradvertisement file 23 placed on the menu page 340 attached with thepoint, and the normal banner advertisement file 24 placed on the normalmenu page 350 are provided in the separate storage apparatus. The banneradvertisement is intended to be inserted in this page as thecompensation of the sponsor investment. When such a trouble happens,namely, when the banner advertisement cannot be placed due to troublesin the storage apparatus, confidence of the advertisement space providerwill be lowered. As a consequence, even when one of these separatestorage apparatus is brought into the malfunction state, the banneradvertisement file stored in the other storage apparatus may betemporally utilized.

[0141] As a consequence, the Web control unit 11 monitors the operationconditions of these storage apparatus into which the respective filesare recorded. In the case that the operation of one storage apparatus isstopped, the Web control unit 11 immediately can use the other storageapparatus so as to produce the banner advertisement. In other words, theimage data which is used to produce the banner advertisement and also isstored into both the point banner advertisement file 23 and the normalbanner advertisement file 24 may be related to such image data relatedto the same advertisement sponsor to each other.

[0142] (Point Managing Process Operation)

[0143] As explained above, the user can get the displayed point byclicking the banner advertisement attached with the point. At this time,the Web control unit 11 manages the points applied to the user inaccordance with the below-mentioned process operation.

[0144] Upon receipt of clicking operation of such a banner advertisementon which the point is indicated, the Web control unit 11 records boththe point degree as displayed and the information related to this pointon the point management file 21.

[0145]FIG. 13 is a diagram for indicating an example of the datastructure of the point management data 210 recorded in the pointmanagement file 21.

[0146] In this drawing, as the point number 211, a total gained-pointnumber is recorded. As the sponsor ID 212, a sponsor ID used to identifyan advertisement sponsor who provides a point is recorded. As the banneradvertisement ID 213, a banner advertisement ID used to identify abanner advertisement on which a point is displayed is recorded. As theuser ID 214, a user ID of a user who can get a point is recorded. As thepoint-gained date 215, a date on which a point is gained is recorded. Asthe point valid time period 216, in the case that a valid time period isdefined to a gained point, the date of this valid time period isrecorded. It should be noted that the valid time period of the point maybe set based upon the valid time period 288 of the sponsor pointmanagement data 280, as explained above.

[0147] To the point which is gained by the user in the above manner, theidentification information of the sponsor who provides this point isadded. Then, the resultant point is recorded. The advertisement sponsorcan grasp how to use the provided point, while employing thisidentification information as a key.

[0148] (Use of Point)

[0149] Next, an explanation will now be made as to the use of points ina shopping mall opened by an advertisement space provider in this site.

[0150] The Web control unit 11 displays such a shopping mall 400 asindicated as an example in FIG. 6 in the case that the Web control unit11 accepts clicking of the shopping button of either the menu page 340attached with the point or the normal menu page 350.

[0151] The user can view such a Web page which places thereon goodswhich is wanted to be purchased by the user in the shopping mall, andcan perform the purchase procedure by designating specific goods. Sincethe various procedures for viewing the Web page on which the goods isplaced, for designating the goods, for designating the payment way, andfor settling the purchase amount are similar to those of the normalshopping mall, descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0152] After accepting the designation of the goods in the shoppingmall, the Web control unit 11 displays such a point utilizing procedurepage 410 as represented as an example in FIG. 14 on the displayapparatus of the terminal computer 30 as a portion of the purchaseprocedure. Alternatively, this page 410 may be displayed only to theusers who own the points.

[0153] The point utilizing procedure page 410 in this drawing isconstructed by arranging a column 411, a column 412, a column 413, acolumn 414, a column 415, and a purchase button 416 for executing apurchase. The column 411 indicates an explanation as to such a messagethat the point can be used, and also as to a method for converting apoint into a discount amount. The column 412 indicates a purchase amountof the designated goods. The column 413 indicates a total remainingpoint number owned by the user. The column 414 is used to designate thata point is not used. The column 415 is used to designate that a point isutilized, and also is to enter a use degree. In this case, the Webcontrol unit 11 displays the total remaining point number owned by theuser, by extracting the gained points by referring to the pointmanagement file 21, while using the user ID 214 as a key, and thencalculating a total gained-point number to be displayed.

[0154] When such a designation from the user that the user does not usethe point is accepted, the Web control unit 11 executes the settlementprocess based upon the total money amount displayed on the column 412indicative of the purchase amount.

[0155] On the other hand, when the Web control unit 11 accepts such amessage that the user uses the points, and also the designation from theuser of the use degree, the Web control unit 11 performs the settlementprocess based upon such a money amount obtained by subtracting a moneyamount which is produced by converting the point to be used degree intothe money amount from the money amount indicated in the column 412 forindicating the purchase amount.

[0156] Then, the Web control unit 11 deletes the point datacorresponding to the used points from the point management file 21.Alternatively, while a used flag area is provided in the pointmanagement data 210, the Web control unit 11 may mark the used flag ofthe point data corresponding to the used point.

[0157] As described above, in this site, since the user uses the pointsprovided based upon the investment of the advertisement sponsor, thepurchase price may be discounted in the shopping mall opened by theadvertisement space provider. By the introduction of this procedure, theadvertisement space provider can cause the user purchase incentivesbased upon the discounted purchase price without paying the discountedmoney amount.

[0158] It should also be noted that the points might be replaced bypremium goods in addition to utilizations in the discount shopping byconverting the point into money amount.

[0159] (“Thanks” Screen Display)

[0160] When the purchase procedure of the goods using the points isaccomplished, the server system 10 displays a “Thanks” screen 360 on thedisplay apparatus of the terminal computer 30. FIG. 15 is a diagram forindicating an example of a Thanks screen 360. In this drawing, theThanks screen 360 is provided with a column 361, a column 362, a column363, and a column 364. The column 361 indicates both a sentenceindicative of a thank for a purchase, and a discount money amount. Thecolumn 362 shows a banner advertisement of a sponsor who provides apoint. The column 363 indicates a name of a sponsor who provides apoint. The column 364 shows a total number of provided points.

[0161] When a user uses a point, in such a case that there are pluraladvertisement sponsors who provide points, several methods may beemployed so as to utilize the point provided by any one of theseadvertisement sponsors.

[0162] For example, it is possible to set such a manner that the pointswhich have been temporally acquired earlier or later may beautomatically and sequentially used. Alternatively, a list of the gainedpoints is displayed in combination with the information of theadvertisement sponsor which provides the point, the selection of thepoints to be used by the user may be accepted.

[0163] As a result, in the case that there are plural advertisementsponsors who provide the points to be used, as represented as an examplein FIG. 16, the respective provided point number and also the pointproviding sponsors are displayed on the Thanks screen 360. In thisdrawing, the Thanks screen 360 is formed by arranging the column 361, acolumn 365, a column 366, and a column 367 indicative of a plurality ofprovided point numbers. This column 361 shows a sentence indicative ofthankfulness for a purchase, and also a discount money amount. Thecolumn 365 indicates banner advertisements of the plural sponsors whoprovide the points. The column 366 indicates a plurality of sponsornames who provide the points. As explained above, when a point is used,a name of the advertisement sponsor who provides this point isindicated. As a consequence, the advertisement effects achieved in thissite can be further improved with respect to the advertisement sponsor.

What is claimed is:
 1. An advertisement supplying system for displayinga point which may give viewing persons an incentive to view anadvertisement in combination with advertisement information on aterminal apparatus connected thereto via a computer network, comprising:storage means for storing thereinto identification information of acustomer and a point degree owned by the customer in relation to eachother; means for accepting identification information of a customer froma terminal apparatus of the customer; means for acquiring the pointdegree owned by the customer from said storage means, said owned pointdegree being related to the accepted identification information of thecustomer; and display point degree determining means for determining apoint degree to be displayed in combination with the advertisementinformation based upon the acquired point degree owned by the customer.2. An advertisement supplying system as claimed in claim 1 wherein: saiddisplay point degree determining means determines a degree of a point tobe displayed based upon a relationship between the point degree owned bythe customer and the display point degree with reference to apredetermined rule.
 3. An advertisement supplying system as claimed inclaim 2 wherein: said rule is determined in such a manner that while apoint degree owned by a customer increases, a point degree to bedisplayed decreases.
 4. An advertisement supplying system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein: a minimum value of the point degree to be displayed isequal to
 0. 5. An advertisement supplying system for displaying a pointwhich may give viewing persons an incentive to view an advertisement incombination with advertisement information on a terminal apparatusconnected thereto via a computer network, comprising: storage means forstoring thereinto identification information of a customer and personalinformation related to the customer in relation to each other; means foraccepting identification information of a customer from a terminalapparatus of the customer; means for acquiring the personal informationrelated to the customer from said storage means, said personalinformation being related to the accepted identification information ofthe customer; and display point degree determining means for determininga point degree to be displayed in combination with the advertisementinformation based upon the acquired personal information related to thecustomer.
 6. An advertisement supplying system as claimed in claim 5wherein: the personal information related to the customer corresponds toinformation as to at least any one of a sex of the customer, an agethereof, and a taste thereof.
 7. An advertisement supplying system asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein: a sort of point degreewhich can be displayed is previously determined; and the display pointdegree determined by said display point degree determining means isselected from the sort of point degrees which can be displayed.
 8. Aprogram product capable of causing a computer to function as anadvertisement supplying system for displaying a point which may giveviewing persons an incentive to view an advertisement in combinationwith advertisement information on a terminal apparatus connected theretovia a computer network, comprising: a storage process for storing into astorage means identification information of a customer and a pointdegree owned by the customer in relation to each other; a process foraccepting identification information of a customer from a terminalapparatus of the customer; a process for acquiring the point degreeowned by the customer related to the accepted identification informationof the customer; and a display point degree determining process fordetermining a point degree to be displayed in combination with theadvertisement information based upon the acquired point degree owned bythe customer.
 9. A program product capable of causing a computer tofunction as an advertisement supplying system for displaying a pointwhich may give viewing persons an incentive to view an advertisement incombination with advertisement information on a terminal apparatusconnected thereto via a computer network, comprising: a storage processfor storing into a storage means identification information of acustomer and personal information related to the customer in relation toeach other; a process for accepting identification information of acustomer from a terminal apparatus of the customer; a process foracquiring the personal information related to the customer, saidpersonal information being related to the accepted identificationinformation of the customer; and a display point degree determiningprocess for determining a point degree to be displayed in combinationwith the advertisement information based upon the acquired personalinformation related to the customer.